Middle East Africa Championship : 2019

Otherwise known as the MEA Championship, this is a competition to promote the game in the region. Domestically Nigeria already has nine teams competing in two conferences and it's good to see Morocco back in the fold after years of the game being banned in that country. The other sides in the four nation MEA Championships were Ghana and Cameroon.

All matches were played at the Lagos Cricket Club ground in Nigeria.

First round:

Nigeria took on Ghana and had a slender 12-4 lead at the break. In the second period Nigeria got away from their opponents and the hosts were leading 25-4 after 60 minutes. Ghana came back to give the score more respectability.

Nigeria 25-12 Ghana.

The other game featured Cameroon versus Morocco. In a low scoring match, Morocco lead 4-0 at half time. Two penalties had then further ahead ahead while Cameroon got a late consolation touch down.

Morocco 8-4 Cameroon.

Finals:

Both victorious sides came together for the final and the losing teams squared off for third and fourth placing. First up we look at the playoff for third and fourth.

Ghana had the better of the first half but only lead 4-0 when the teams changed ends. Cameroon came out with gusto and were rewarded by tying the scores in a tight contest. Ghana scored at the death to narrowly take the game and third placing.

Ghana 10-4 Cameroon.

Ghana vs Cameroon. Pic RLEF

The final had the hosts and favourites start strongly and they lead 18-0. Morocco came back to have the scoreline at 18-4 at the interval. The second half saw plenty of scoring by Nigeria with Morocco getting a late converted try.

Nigeria 38-12 Morocco.